How many avot melachot (primary forbidden labors) are there?
39 avot melachot — all derived from the creative work done building the Mishkan.
Question 2
What is "makeh b'patish" (striking the final blow)?
Makeh b'patish is the act that completes an item, giving it its final usable form. It's the conceptual "last hammer blow" that finishes craftsmanship.
Question 3
Which sequence of melachot relates to bread-making?
The bread-making sequence covers the full agricultural-to-table process: field work (sowing through gathering), processing (threshing through sifting), and preparation (kneading and baking).
Question 4
Which sequence relates to textile/garment making?
The textile sequence covers the entire garment-making process from raw material (shearing wool) through finished product.
Question 5
The melachot are NOT defined by physical effort. What are they defined by?
Melachah is creative, purposeful action. Carrying a heavy couch across a room might be exhausting but isn't melachah. Writing two small letters IS.